Matching Minds with Sondheim: The Podcast in an open invitation into the puzzle-loving, game-designing mind of Broadway legend Stephen Sondheim. Based on the acclaimed book by Barry Joseph, each episode uncovers the hidden world of Sondheim’s lifelong passion for treasure hunts, cryptic crosswords, parlor games, and more. Join Barry and his guests—puzzle-makers, game designers, and Sondheim aficionados—as they explore how Sondheim's playful designs delivered moments of clarity and connection for friends, colleagues, and anyone who's ever been captivated by his genius. Whether you’re a musical theater fan, a puzzlehead, or just Sondheim-curious, this series invites you to match minds with Sondheim. Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, or click here.
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Matching Minds with Sondheim: The Podcast in an open invitation into the puzzle-loving, game-designing mind of Broadway legend Stephen Sondheim. Based on the acclaimed book by Barry Joseph, each episode uncovers the hidden world of Sondheim’s lifelong passion for treasure hunts, cryptic crosswords, parlor games, and more. Join Barry and his guests—puzzle-makers, game designers, and Sondheim aficionados—as they explore how Sondheim's playful designs delivered moments of clarity and connection for friends, colleagues, and anyone who's ever been captivated by his genius. Whether you’re a musical theater fan, a puzzlehead, or just Sondheim-curious, this series invites you to match minds with Sondheim. Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, or click here.
#18 - About the Author - Barry on The Broadway Radio Show
Matching Minds with Sondheim: The Podcast
54 minutes
1 month ago
#18 - About the Author - Barry on The Broadway Radio Show
From an interview with Donald Feltham on his Broadway Radio Show, join Barry on his journey writing a book on Stephen Sondheim's love for puzzles and games, spurred by birthday gifts from his wife. Barry shares how interviewing over 120 people, many of whom were Sondheim's friends and game enthusiasts, helped paint a comprehensive picture of this multifaceted Broadway legend. The episode concludes with a plug for Barry's book and podcast, encouraging listeners to explore these resources for a deeper understanding of Sondheim's playful genius.
Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, or click here.
00:00 Introduction to the Episode
01:34 Donald Feltham's Broadway Radio Show
02:29 Discussing the Book: Matching Minds with Sondheim
03:06 Barry Joseph's Background and Inspiration
03:21 The Influence of Stephen Sondheim
04:43 The Genesis of the Book
05:13 Exploring Sondheim's Life and Work
10:48 The Ludological Lens
11:21 Structure of the Book
16:43 Sondheim's Playful Side
18:11 Research and Interviews
23:16 Sondheim's Treasure Hunts
26:51 Engaging Everyone at the Party
27:04 The 2013 Treasure Hunt
29:02 Recreating the Treasure Hunt Over Zoom
31:37 The Famous Murder Game
38:36 The Last of Sheila: From Game to Movie
43:57 Sondheim's Challenging Jigsaw Puzzles
48:32 Conclusion and Podcast Invitation
Special Links:
Colm Molloy
Ann Morrison
Mateo Chavez Lewis
The Broadway Radio Show with Donald Feltham
Thanks to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to this episode: the Musical Stingers composed by Mateo Chavez Lewis, our line producer Dennis Caouki, and the theme song to our podcast with lyrics and music by Colm Molloy and sung by the one only Anne Morrison, currently on the road starring in Kimberly Akimbo. Of course, I'd also like to thank Donald Feltham both for interviewing me and letting me rebroadcast our interview.
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Matching Minds with Sondheim: The Podcast
Matching Minds with Sondheim: The Podcast in an open invitation into the puzzle-loving, game-designing mind of Broadway legend Stephen Sondheim. Based on the acclaimed book by Barry Joseph, each episode uncovers the hidden world of Sondheim’s lifelong passion for treasure hunts, cryptic crosswords, parlor games, and more. Join Barry and his guests—puzzle-makers, game designers, and Sondheim aficionados—as they explore how Sondheim's playful designs delivered moments of clarity and connection for friends, colleagues, and anyone who's ever been captivated by his genius. Whether you’re a musical theater fan, a puzzlehead, or just Sondheim-curious, this series invites you to match minds with Sondheim. Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, or click here.
